1. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Clark AFB, Philippines. My dad was in the Air Force. :0) So that makes me a brat! hehe

2. Where do you live now?
Scottsdale, AZ (Phoenix)

3. Where have you lived before?
Well, from the Philippines, we moved to Sacramento, CA (1978-1983), then to Albuquerque, NM (1983-1987), then to Phoenix, AZ.

4. What got you started as a DJ?
Honestly, I wasn’t even trying to become a mix/club DJ. I wanted to be in radio (...among other things lol) To make a long story short, though, my best friend at the time (1996) suggested I go to the sports bar she worked at (Butch O’Leary’s – Mesa, AZ) to talk to the DJ who might have some info or connection into getting into radio… Well, he didn’t. Two weeks later, he got fired, my friend told me to come up and try out for a DJ slot and I was like, "are you crazy??? I don’t know anything about DJn!" (lol) And she was like, "girl, you know so much about music, just try it! You’ll be really good!" So I took her advice and talked to the owner, convincing him to give me a shot… besides, I needed the extra cash! Haha So anywaaaays..... I BS’d my way into the club and the owner was skeptical because I was a female, but he tried me on Wednesday and wanted to do an Old School/Disco night. So I started doing that and he also tried out 2 other DJs on Friday and Saturday. Well, Wednesdays ended up being busier than the weekend so he tried me on the weekend slots and I ended up bringing in the bigger crowds, so he fired the other 2 guys and I ended up being the resident! …And now, here I am!

5. How long have you been a DJ?
Been DJn since 1996, but I took off for 2 years from 1998-2000 because I was in a really bad relationship...

6. What type of equipment did you start with and what do you use know?
I’ve NEVER had a equipment...still don’t!!! Well I do have a mixer now - It’s a Pioneer DJM 500. I keep it to use at the station. So, if anyone wants to DONATE some turntables (specifically Technics 1200’s) for the "DJ Lysa D. DJ Fund", that would be cool! Hahaha jk I can say, though, i am in the process of being sponsored by behringer, so i'm really excited that they approached me on that! thanks behringer!!!!

7. What's your favorite genre to play?
Well, I keep telling everyone I’m a HOUSE DJ, dammit!!! But those who know me know I also love to spin Dance, Hiphop, & of course OLD SCHOOL! whatever i'm feelin' usually.

8. Where do spin? (stations, clubs)
I’m the original resident mixer on KNRJ – Energy 92.7 & 101.1 fm, on MEGA 104.3/99.3 (KAJM) – old school, & i have a monthly/bi-monthly residency at sky lounge for "flux" (saturdays - phoenix, az) for energy. But I have some other upcoming shows & syndications in the works, etc. *wink...wink*

9. What is your role at the station?
I’m the music director & mix show coordinator for KAJM (was also both for knrj), the midday personality on KAJM (Mega) & Evening personality on KNRJ (Energy), assistant to the pd (kajm), production engineer, etc... you name it, i've done it...you know what??? i "own" the station lol jk!!!!!!

10. What would you like your role to be in the future?
I just want to be successful in whatever I do. I CAN say that everything I’ve learned in just the short amount of time I’ve been in radio, has helped me understand this industry a lot better & not just in radio but the entertainment biz as a whole... you know...the mentality, politics, etc. people really don't have a true understanding unless they've actually been involved with radio or the music industry altogether!

11. What are some of the craziest things that have happened to you while at the station? Club?
Crazy? I AM crazy! jk ... um well one saturday night while i was mixing live in the studio for my "groove Sessionz" show, i was already into the 2nd hour and all of a sudden all the electricity in the building/complex went out... i froze & the jock who was on our sister station was doing his show and i yelled out, "did i do thaaaat?" haha i mean nothing was on!!!! except i was able to talk on the mic, so i did the ol "we apologize for the inconvenience, but it seems the electricity went out so we're having technical difficulties...???" lol i mean, it was pitch black in there!!!! apparently, there was an accident in the area and they hit a pole which knocked out quite a few blocks in that radius! that shizzle was funny, actually....um and as far as the clubs, it's crazy to me, still, when people ask me for my autograph or wanna take pics with me. I still blush when i get asked for that...don't get me wrong, i love the support and the attention is cool too. but i'm just "me".

12. Any Career highlights you would like to share? Someone you met, something you got to do for someone else. Anything.
Everything I’ve done is a highlight in my career!!! Lol I’ve met so many wonderful producers, artists, and label reps, promoters, etc. I’ve had exclusive interviews with: Deepest Blue, Danni Minogue, Ferry Corsten, Paul Oakenfold, Who Da Funk, & of course Bad Boy Bill, Steve Smooth, & Richard Humpty Vission (love those guys!), and quite a few other big names in the industry. i actually just interviewed robbie rivera tonight. he's a sweetheart & very talented producer/dj! hmm...something i've done for someone else... you know, i have done so much for fans and listeners from making advice i've given during show segments to just putting them on the vip guestlist and it tickles me how much it means to them and how it makes a difference in their lives or whatever.

13. Who are some other DJ's that you feel are at the top of the game? Who influences you?
Well my biggest influences are, of course, Bad Boy Bill, Richard H. Vission, & DJ Dre. Those DJs are also at the top of the game, but I really gotta give credit to Steve Smooth & JJ Flores!!! I know Steve and he’s a great person - that guy is so darn talented!!! He and JJ are "what’s it" in today’s music and I don’t think they’re getting enough credit for it. Bill and Richard are always on top of things & are excellent role models, i think, for up-and-coming djs, etc...and although I’m not a HUGE fan, Moby has paved the way for many when it comes to production & music being used in commercials, movies, etc. So he gets mad props! DJ Dre (las vegas/sacramento/l.a.) has really influenced me & taught me so much about my skills and talent....of course as a female, i deal with politics and stuff but dre helped me thru that and his enthusiasm has honestly made me a better dj so i'm very thankful for him! he's also one of my best friends! :0) my mom is my absolute #1, biggest-gigantist, supermongous influence...enough said!!! (yeah i can make up my own words, too!)

14. Do you have any Mix tapes, CDs out?
well, we were considering the release of a mix cd by the end of winter 2004. my mgr./agent, serena calo (newlite muzik, inc. - NY), publicist/market mgr. sonny mack (mack dj/newlite), and media services - nyc have been working on that. but i thought it would be a good idea to put that on hold until after my ep release. for the past year or whatever (cuz of my hectic schedule,) i've been working on my own original productions. the ep release is set for: february/march 2005, we're hoping. something always comes up so i keep putting it off. the first release, which is already getting a great buzz & hype, is called, "talk". i produced, wrote, & sing on the track. i think it will be good and a surprise for many who underestimated who "dj lysa d." is or is capable of. on that note, i've titled the ep, "d'fined". i'm proud of the tracks that i've belted out hehe... the 2nd release (which is an older, but re-vamped production for 2004/2005), is "cuz it'z in u". that's a fun song... *smiles* all i can say is, we'll see what happens with it. and it will definitely help when i start building up the studio with equipment!
i should also mention that i'm in the process of syndicating my show(s): "groovesessionz" (which had great ratings and held a 2.5 yr run) & "the energizer mix". dre and i actually put that one together but most of the credit goes to him cuz it was his style and programming that helped build what that mixshow was. still to this day, i have fans/listeners asking if we'll bring it back or release it as a double mix compilation. dre and i discussed that option but we're both focused on different projects so i may just do a solo mix and have him do the occasional guest spots when he has some free time! it's off the hook, though... both shows!!!!! *wink*

15. Give me your all time top 5
not in any specific order, but, i'll say: "the bomb! (the bucketheads)", "fascinated" (company b.), "I'm ready" (kano), "one call away" (chingy...hee hee...), "deepest blue" (deepest blue).... odd selection, huh? there are a few more, but these songs give me that "warm fuzzy" feeling and you only asked for five, so.....hehe

16. Any groups in your area that you think need recognition?
Groups of what???

17. Any advice to give to new DJs wanting to get into radio?
I hate to say be aggressive, because that doesn’t always work!!! sometimes it's interpreted as annoying, so don't do it!!!! lol I know, because I receive demos, phone calls, emails, and stuff all the time! the key word is: Promote! Promote! Promote yourself! Present yourself professionally, and PLEASE don’t act like you’re the next best thing to come to radio, because chances are… YOU’RE probably NOT!!! :0) i will lay the smackdown if i hear another person say, "i'm the cutting edge...blah blah blah"... trust me, you are not! lol i'm mean huh?... :0) really though, if you want something bad enough, then i say work as hard as you can to get it...simple as that. i can't be mad if someone else gets me bumped from a time slot for a show or whatever, you know? it just means they worked harder for it than i did, so i should re-evaluate what i want and stuff. and you have to be patient, especially in radio. we won't get into that right now... haha!

18. Do you have your own website?
Yes. www.djlysad.com I will be updating as often as i can!!!! if i come into alot of money, i'd like to give it a face lift and change it to flash! someday i'm sure... just keep checking for updates!!!

19. Are you willing to take on gigs outside your area? Can someone book you?
Of course! I’ve been doing MORE gigs out of state, than in my local state. I am very blessed and glad to have any opportunities that I have had. I’ve had int’l bookings/inquiries from like Kuala Lumpur, Lithuania, Japan, etc. i love performing anywhere!!! just hit me up at: bookings@djlysad.com *wink...wink*

20. Why do you think radio stations sometimes go through mixshow DJs like wild fire?
Trend maybe? I don’t know. It depends on the Program Director and most importantly, the LISTENERS!!! People don’t understand that radio is based on RATINGS. If the ratings are down because of that particular mix DJ’s slot, then the PD needs to structure the DJs music or change the DJ. It happens all the time and honestly, DJs shouldn’t take that personally. It’s RADIO!!! Heck, I have lost a mixshow or 2, but that just strives me to find other shows to do nationwide or focus on the next step in my career! which obviously is in progress. but there is so much more structuring in a mixshow vs. a club... and most amateur/potential mixshow djs should keep that in mind.

21. Do you think mixshow DJs get enough recognition? If no why and how could it be change?
I think it really depends on the DJ, the station, and the location. Mixshow DJs, like club Djs, are a dime a dozen! What else have they contributed to the industry in addition to THAT mixshow they do? There are SOME DJs that don’t get enough credit because quite frankly, I don’t think they promote themselves enough, but then they don’t have the resources and stuff. I wish I had the answers, but I’m like all other DJs trying to make a name for myself in this industry! :0)

22. Where do you see the state of Hip Hop and/or Dance going in the next 5 years.
Well hiphop IS the Top 40 of today. Music, in general, is ever-changing but hiphop will definitely be around and making breakthroughs in music. The same thing for Dance but I hear all the time that Dance won’t last. Well, I highly doubt that. Dance has been around for decades, and although it’s not getting as much support or recognition as we’d like, I think you’ll be surprised to see that you’ll be hearing more and more of it and about it in the years to come!

23. Anything else you would like to share.
Real Name: it's sharon (pronounced "shah-run")... sharon l., and that's all i'm gonna tell ya!!!

Birthday: may 16th... i'm ooooold! Lol

Nationality: filipino/irish/dutch...but always mistaken for hispanic/mexican or italian and on my recent trip to ny, everyone thought i was puerto rican, but then again we were in the bronx alot haha!!! i love new york!

in da mix: i only use vinyl... very rarely will i break out a cd, unless it's my intro or a debut of something that no one else has. but it's still rare. i always mix live, i do not have producers to hit my sweepers for me or run my commercials. i do it all myself and have for the past 3 yrs since i've been in radio. i do talk during my mixes depending on the mixshow.

equipment favorites/wishlist: well i already mentioned i'm in the process of working out endorsements for behringer, which i'm very excited about! i love technics, of course... and my favorite needles are ortofon!!!! i really need to buy a pair for when i travel and stuff. i love sony headphones - i have the mdr-v500's... i love those instead of the 600 cuz they're great for when i mix, and they dont mess up my hair much! Hehe

a true diva: i have my own makeup artist, nail tech, hairstylist. i do my own makeup most of the time, but i have my own skin care technician i guess you could call her that. her name is diana and she's the best!!! i used to have long nails for years at a time, but this past year, i've decided to go short and natural. i notice i need to get manicures more often cuz the polish chips quicker and my boyfriend likes to clown on me when that happens (just joking, honey!!!)... no seriously, he does. lol but kathryn is the best nail tech and i might let my nails go longer again if i end up performing more. they weren't hard to dj with - i always used to get asked that. ok now i'm babbling...

Favorite Food: i love food and you can tell cuz of the junk in my trunk! lol i know-i know... i'm working out again, dammit! i love italian and whatever! carrot cake (good carrot cake) is my weakness and so is arizona iced tea the lemon flavor!


Favorite Movies: breakin', beat street, i-robot, and some others. i've been watching alot of movies that i normally wouldn't watch cuz of my boyfriend. he's got good taste in movies (and djs! *wink wink*) hee hee

Favorite Sports Team: well i used to be a huge laker fan back in the 80's/early 90's during the magic johnson/james worthy era... and my nickname used to be "isiah" (as in thomas!!!)...yeah i used to be a "baller"... damn injury. :0( oh um... i like the yankees and the jets (boyfriends have quite an influence on some things lol)

Favorite Thing to Do: sleep, if i can ever find time... oooh or go to the spa??? i need to...

Major Lifetime Achievement: there is so much i've achieved and yet i still have a lifetime to achieve more!!!

Major Peeves: when people chew on pens - that's friggin' disgusting!!!! or how about when people call the request line to say something negative about you or the stations or whatever (which is rare) and they hang up immediately after they've said their comments... *shaking head*

how "DJ LYSA D." got her name? And what does the "D" stand for?: aww come on... lol ok here goes: well you know when you are introduced to someone or you meet a new person... you forget their name or whatever??? well i've always had people tell me i look like a "lisa" or a "lisa" they knew, etc... so i just took that and changed the spelling when i was trying to think of a creative radio name (advice given to me from roxanne, who is now a superstar jock on b-96 in chicago!!! you go girl!)...the "d." was originally "d'vayne" which i got that name from this ghetto movie i watched one weekend and this hot guy was named: william devaine. so i took that, changed the spelling and voila!!!.... lysa d'vayne. well, when i started the club dj thang, people were just abbreviating it to "lysa d." cuz it was catchier, i suppose... so now, the "d." stands for "d'licious" or "divalicious" which is: dj lysa d. *bowing*

E-mail: info@djlysad.com

Famous last words: thank you for this opportunity! and thanks to all the fans, listeners, and supporters who've helped me get to where i am today! i'm truly blessed and thankful each day that i have a career doing something i love!!!! hugs and kisses...and keep it funkaaaay! xoxo - DJ Lysa D.

New since the interview: Lisa has taken on the role as Morning host for Energy.